Is my basement rough plumbed?

Question

I bought my house a spec house from a builder. I was told that the basement was rough plumbed and that a bathroom could be added. I was also told that they covered all of the pipes (toilet, tub, lav) with a "thin layer of concrete." The builder had used a permanent marker to mark where each pipe was at. He also used the marker and drew a circle where the pit for the lift station was to be located. I have cut a 24" x 12" hole in the basement floor (one foot on each side of the mark for the toilet) all the way down to the sand. I have not located any pipes. Has anyone ever heard of covering the toilet flange with concrete? Also, would it have possible to put the plumbing under the concrete and not have the pit dug out and lift station in?

Answer 1

I have remodeled numerous basements. When a builder "roughs in" the plumbing, it is NEVER buried under cured concrete. The shower and toilet drain lines would be pvc pipe sticking up and covered with either caps or tape to prevent debri from entering the pipes.

I would have the builder come out and show me exactly where these pipes were if I were you. I'm betting there was no rough-in plumbing done at all.

Answer 2

Covering toilet flange and drain pipes with concrete????  Do you have it in writing that this guy rough plumbed the basement?  I believe if it were me I would call the builder first and the better business bureau second.